Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 16's 48MP, and there's more battery in the S24 Ultra, 5000mAh to 3561mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S24 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 501 PPI, and the S24 Ultra goes up to 1TB of storage, where the iPhone 16 tops out at 512GB. Only pay up for the S24 Ultra if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 16 makes more sense.
The iPhone 16 is the cheaper one to own: around £693 over a typical contract, £182 less than the S24 Ultra.
12 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 16
|
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1440 x 3088 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 501 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,561 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 232 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£29.00/mo
£129.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £459.00 | £459.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £692.76 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £459.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 62g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.